This content was published on April 17, 2018 10:53 AMApr 17, 2018 - 10:53

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a meeting of his ruling AK Party at the Parliament in Ankara, Turkey April 10, 2018. Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Presidential Palace/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE.

(reuters_tickers)

ANKARA (Reuters) - Expected changes to the Turkish constitution will be fully implemented with the presidential elections scheduled for November 2019, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, in an apparent response to a suggestion for early polls.

Erdogan's comments came after the head of the nationalist MHP party suggested holding presidential elections in August this year.

Turks narrowly backed a constitutional change last year to change the constitution and grant Erdogan sweeping powers. The changes are due to become effective in the next elections.

(Reporting by Ercan Gurses; Writing by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by David Dolan)